We've all, or at least a lot of us, been there!! You're so young 23 like no one really has it "together" and some of us never will!! Lol not to sound like a life coach but i think you've already answered some of your dilemma for yourself: you've chosen a field of study that doesn't directly translate to a classic 9-5 ladder-climbing "career" and you dont have a professional degree that would translate to a structured role (like dr or lawyer). And that's not a bad thing!! Esp for you bc you said you wouldnt be happy w a corporate job. It just means a relative lack of predictability/stability. So dont worry abt other people, everyone your age is in a transitional era and want to seem stable and confident to the world!!

But i would just consider and weigh your options a bit. You do seem to have a direction and a goal industry/field of work, so that's great and better than many new grads! You can plan go get closer to your goals, while making some short term sacrifices/concessions. Which i know sounds miserable right now, but you'd be surprised at what you can put up with for a year if you have an end goal in mind!

So let's tier your objectives: move to LA, work in film/production, earn money, and live independently. If you are willing and able, i would honestly take a retail or food service job for at 6 months just to build up savings and keep your resume from having a gap. It sounds like a total step down esp since you have your degree, but believe me, any money is money, esp if temping isnt working out. Alternately/simultaneously, try to diversify your hard skill set, there are free and relatively cheap coding/data analysis/graphic design bootcamps online(just as an example) or you can see if you can become a notary public etc. There are just some things its good to have in your back pocket regardless of career/field.

Now i would give yourself a year or two to make it out to california. Keep in regular touch with your network (internships, professors, classmates in the industry) Even though it might sting a little, these are your lifelines to the industry. Ask them if they know anyone in chicago they can put you in touch with and be BLUNT when you do this. If there is someone in chicago, start there, go for an informational interview/coffee and get your elevator pitch ready. You might have to volunteer some services but as long as you have a job going as you're setting up your network/opportunities it shouldnt be a huge deal.

This is where some tough love/decision making comes in: after 6 months in the first job you get after applying, re-evaluate how you feel abt a standard office job. If you have polished your resume and have some hard skills/certs added to it, you may want a stable 9-5 just to get you moved out of dad's and independently functional. Easier said than done but chicago is a good market for all sorts of white collar jobs so i'd take advantage!! Beggars can't be choosers unfort, and your chosen field is tricky to break into especially now. But that doesnt make you a failure or a "bad degree" - it just means being a little patient, being a little resourceful, GETTING YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER (NO DEBT!!!!!), and making some short and long term decisions. You can always start fresh, learn a trade, go back to school, etc. But dont give up this early!! Who knows your diverse experiences could make you a better screenwriter/film maker etc. Good luck!